Paul Campbell launches new movie

• Heads to Kingston Pon Di River

Internationally acclaimed Jamaican actor and artist, Paul Campbell, who released his new movie, Out the Gate, last Thursday in New York City, has been joined by Minister of Transport and Works Mike Henry and Television Jamaica's Kay Osborne on the inaugural Kingston Pon Di River.

Kingston Pon Di River, a festival of literary, visual, performing and culinary arts, is set for Sunday, May 29 at Boone Hall Oasis, Stony Hill.

Campbell is best known for his tough-guy character in roles like Dancehall Queen, Third World Cop and Shottas, among other indigenous films which have explored the nucleus of the underbelly of Jamaican life and the streets.

His latest foray on screen will run in select cinemas in the Big Apple.

Campbell's co-star is compatriot Oliver Samuels, the king of Jamaican comedy, who is best known for his Oliver at Large series, as well as more recent theatrical productions with Jambiz.

"Out the Gate taps into real-life ideas, dreams, concerns, challenges and victories by many immigrants in the United States. Without boring you, the production team successfully explored the music industry, migration and the issue of donmanship, among other critical topics that will have you thinking and talking about it for a long time," read a statement released by the promoters.

line-up for show

Aside from the actor, the government minister and media manager, many other high-profile Jamaicans and expatriates will put their literary skills on display. They include United States Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater, Mexican Ambassador Leonora Rueda, Jean Lowrie-Chin, former government minister Aloun Assamba, Totlyn Oliver, Nadean Rawlins, Blossom O'Meally-Nelson, and many others.

The arts festival will also cater to children, as Kelly Magnus will read age-appropriate material to them.

Kingston Pon Di River is the brainchild of Dynamic Event Services (DES), a group of women with backgrounds in the tourism industry who seek to reposition Kingston, Jamaica's capital, as the cultural centre of the Caribbean.

Patrons will be treated to fantastic music by Dwight Richards and Friends, the Kingston Drummers, and Ernie Smith.

Great-tasting local dishes will also tantalise the palates of patrons. Part proceeds from the event, which is sponsored by the Spanish Court Hotel, Diamond Paints, CVM Television, Kool 97FM, Klas Sports Radio, The Courtleigh Hotel and Suites and Liguanea Club, will go towards the Ward Theatre.